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Sales and Marketing

10 Ways to Use your Phone as a CRM Tool

10 Ways to Use your Phone as a CRM Tool

What is a CRM Tool? A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool is essential for fostering business growth. It enables businesses to effectively manage conversations and relationships with clients, ensuring alignment with expectations and the development of strong, positive business relationships. However, for the Nigerian business person, CRM tools can be both expensive and cumbersome, especially when considering that customer footfall might not always justify investing in the latest and most robust industry software. In my experience, a practical approach is to recommend starting with the use of mobile phones. By adopting effective note-taking and sales habits, individuals can take the initial step of utilising their phones as a makeshift CRM tool. The advantages of using a mobile phone for this purpose are noteworthy. It provides a cost-effective solution, particularly for those who may find traditional CRM systems financially challenging. 10 Ways to Use your Phone as a CRM Tool Here are some suggestions on how your mobile phone can be effectively used as a CRM tool to grow a business: 1. Contact Management: Use the phone’s contacts and address book to organise client information. Categorise contacts based on their importance, potential, or specific business criteria. One trick I do is to include notes on where I met people, the specific business or social context, and outstanding action items or agenda that we have in common. 2. Calendar and Reminder Functions: Leverage the phone’s calendar and reminder features to schedule follow-ups, meetings, and important dates related to clients. This ensures timely engagement and prevents missed opportunities. 3. Note-Taking Apps: Utilise note-taking apps or even simple text messages to record important details from client interactions. This helps in creating a comprehensive record of conversations and key points. 4. Communication Tracking: Keep track of communication history by using messaging apps or call logs. This allows for a quick reference to past discussions, making future interactions more informed and personalised. 5. Task Management: Use the phone’s task management apps to create to-do lists and set priorities. This helps in staying organised and ensures that critical tasks related to client management are not overlooked. 6. Email Integration: Integrate email accounts with the phone to manage client communication effectively. Respond promptly to emails and use folders or labels to categorise and prioritise messages. 7. Customer Segmentation: Group clients based on common attributes using features like contact groups or labels. This aids in targeted communication and allows for a more personalised approach. 8. Document and File Storage: Utilise cloud storage apps such as Google Drive or Dropbox to store important documents related to clients. This ensures easy access to necessary information, even when on the go. 9. Social Media Monitoring: Monitor and engage with clients on social media platforms through mobile apps. This helps in staying connected and understanding client preferences and behaviors. 10. Regular Backups: Ensure regular backups of important client data on the phone to prevent data loss. Use cloud services or other backup solutions to secure valuable information. Conclusion The beauty of adopting this approach is that individuals who become accustomed to managing their client relationships using their phones and establishing good habits can seamlessly transition to more comprehensive CRM solutions as their business grows. This initial step not only facilitates effective client management but also sets the foundation for a smooth integration into more sophisticated CRM tools. Also read: Leveraging Technology to Grow Your Business

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Strategies for Marketing: Case Study of the Friendly Fruit Seller

Marketing on the Streets – Lesson from my Friendly Fruit Seller On a Saturday morning, I combined my morning walk with a quick grocery run and stopped by my regular fruit vendor to buy some fruits. As we were standing there, a lively procession passed by, featuring guys on roller skates, blaring speakers, dancers, and an energetic hypeman. My favorite fruit seller quipped, “Na so dem dey do o, dem go still go far far o (That’s how they do it; they’ll go far!)” I couldn’t help but chuckle and shake my head. I was familiar with the supermarket responsible for this event and shopped there regularly, though I wouldn’t call myself a loyal customer. While I observed the small event taking place, I began to contemplate the noticeable differences in customer engagement approaches between my fruit vendor and a nearby supermarket. This reflection highlighted important insights for businesses looking to establish and maintain customer loyalty. Many businesses fall into the trap of overlooking their loyal clientele in pursuit of new customers. However, the key lies in recognizing the potential of your current customer base. These satisfied customers could transform into enthusiastic advocates for your brand, given the right attention and care. On the other hand, there’s my friendly fruit seller, whom I faithfully patronize because of his dedication to customer engagement, quality of customer service and his cheery attitude. Strategies for Marketing from the Friendly Fruit Seller There’s a lot of strategies for marketing that we can learn from my friendly fruit seller about sustaining a loyal customer base: 1. Adaptability: You see, my guy always operated a ‘cash at hand’ payment system i.e. you buy bananas and you pay with cash; the one we see, not transfers or crypto. When the whole cashless period hit Nigeria, he opened an account (or maybe he always had it) and gracefully made sure we could make transfers without missing out on our weekly supply. Also Read: Marketing on the Street: Lessons from a Moi Moi Seller 2. Product Information: My guy is as knowledgeable about his fruits as the farmer who grows them. He can tell you a ripe watermelon from a white one, a sweet pineapple from a sour one, you name it! He then keeps us abreast of the seasons and when our favorite fruits are fading away. He knows his stuff! 3. Customer Service: This young man knows how to treat a customer well. Watching him attend to multiple customers at a go is a vibe! Plus he understands each customer’s needs, especially the regulars. He knows who prefers flawless fruit and who would rather not bother with cutting it themselves. Reminds me of a quote from Daniel Priestley’s Oversubscribed; ‘You build such a powerful relationship with buyers that they ignore other sellers‘. 4. Loyalty/Promotions: We regulars enjoy regular sprinkles of “jaras (extras)” and special discounts, because the fruit seller knows that we will be back and so, he does what he can to keep us happy. Unlike our neighborhood supermarket that runs a complicated point system that has not yielded any return. Now we may argue that it’s easy for him to manage because it’s a Nano business and applying these strategies for marketing at scale may be tough, which is true. I however do see the feasibility of applying some of the simple lessons I have stated here. In the dynamic world of business, the essence of customer loyalty often gets lost in the pursuit of expansion and novelty. The story of my friendly fruit seller serves as a reminder, urging businesses to invest in genuine customer relationships, personalized service, and meaningful loyalty initiatives. Embracing these fundamental principles, even on a larger scale, can pave the way for enduring customer loyalty and sustainable business growth. Let us draw inspiration from the streets and adopt the invaluable lessons offered by those who truly understand the art of customer loyalty.

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Growth Hacking for MSMEs

Growth Hacking for MSMEs

Growth hacking, not to be confused with Marketing… After you have identified your product, your product market fit and the willingness of customers to pay for it, then it is time for Growth Hacking.  It is the use of minimal resources to scale a product. It is the act of using hacks within product development (innovation), automation, data analytics, marketing and storytelling, to speed up the growth of a product.  With this, we are concerned with user acquisition, user activation, user retention, revenue and referrals; the AARRR metric, and so there are specific activities we conduct to ensure we successfully track and achieve these metrics.   Growth Hacking Activities that Track and Achieve AARRR Metrics Growth Hacking speeds up the growth of products with the use of metrics (AARRR), innovation, technology, storytelling and marketing. References

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Selling with Empathy: The Peculiar Nigerian Scenario

The world generally is experiencing some levels of economic hardship. There’s a lot of pressure on the world economies to strike a balance between opening their doors to the influx of immigrants and ensuring the standard of living of its citizens does not change due to the new economic pressure. We all know that the economic situation in Nigeria has taken a downward turn and more people are losing their ability to afford the kind of lifestyle they could boast of say some ten years ago or more. Selling with empathy is fast becoming the new tactic to ensure that businesses do not lose their clientele and can remain going concerns. Empathy has emerged as a powerful tool for building meaningful connections with customers. It’s no longer enough to simply provide a product or service; businesses must prioritize understanding and addressing the needs and emotions of their customers. This shift towards empathy-driven selling not only fosters trust but also leads to long-term customer loyalty. In this article, we will explore the five principles of applying empathy in customer interactions across all touchpoints of a business. Whether you run a school, hospital, supermarket, etc. employing empathy in dealing with your customers differentiates your business from your competitors. 5 Strategies for Selling with Empathy 1. Active Listening Active listening is the cornerstone of empathy in any customer interaction. It involves not only hearing the words spoken by the customer but also understanding the underlying emotions and concerns. When a customer feels heard, they are more likely to trust the business and feel valued. The rising inflation and hike in fuel prices have put a lot of pressure on the populace. Tips for Active Listening: 2. Understanding Customer Perspectives Empathizing requires putting oneself in the customer’s shoes and trying to see the situation from their point of view. This means recognizing their emotions, concerns, and motivations. By understanding their perspective, businesses can tailor their responses to better address the customer’s needs. Ways to Understand Customer Perspectives: 3. Responding with Compassion and Kindness Empathetic selling involves responding with compassion, even when faced with challenging situations. It means showing genuine care for the customer’s well-being and aiming to provide solutions that benefit them, rather than solely focusing on the sale. Practices for Compassionate Responses: 4. Customizing Solutions Empathetic businesses recognize that every customer is unique. They go beyond generic responses and seek to offer tailored solutions that address specific needs and preferences. This level of personalization not only enhances the customer experience but also builds trust and loyalty. For example, creating sales packages that will cater to your diverse customers such as installment payments, discounts, etc. Strategies for Customizing Solutions: 5. Follow-Up and Continued Support This is the road less traveled by most businesses. Empathy doesn’t end with the sale. It extends into the post-purchase phase, ensuring the customer feels valued and supported even after the transaction is complete. Regular follow-ups and ongoing assistance demonstrate a commitment to the customer’s long-term satisfaction. Actions for Continued Support: In conclusion, empathy-driven selling is a transformative approach that not only leads to increased sales but also builds a loyal customer base. To remain top of mind of your customers in our present economic realities, businesses need to step out of their comfort zones and demonstrate to customers that they understand the emotional key drivers of customer experience.

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Generating Online Sales Through Digital Marketing

Digital marketing has transformed the way businesses connect with their audiences and drive online sales. By embracing various strategies and tailoring them to your SME’s unique goals, you can harness the power of the Internet to reach and convert potential customers effectively. What is Digital Marketing? Digital marketing includes all marketing activities conducted through electronic devices or the internet to promote products or services. It utilizes various online channels and platforms to engage with customers, connect with a specific audience and accomplish marketing objectives. How to Generate Online Sales through Digital Marketing To embrace the dynamic nature of internet marketing, adapt to trends, and stay committed to delivering value, here’s what you need to do: 1. Understand Your Audience: Successful internet marketing begins with knowing your target audience’s preferences, needs, and behaviors. This enables you to tailor your strategies to resonate with them effectively. 2. Set Clear Goals: Whether it’s increasing website traffic, boosting sales of a specific product, or improving brand awareness, defining clear goals will guide your digital marketing efforts. 3. Create Compelling Content: Engaging and valuable content not only attracts visitors but also encourages them to explore your offerings. High-quality content builds credibility and encourages sharing. 4. Optimize for Mobile: With a significant portion of internet users accessing content on mobile devices, ensuring your website and content are mobile-friendly is essential for a seamless user experience. 5. Leverage Analytics: Utilize tools like Google Analytics to track the performance of your digital marketing campaigns. Monitor metrics such as website traffic, conversion rates, and click-through rates to refine your strategies. 6. Consistency is Key: Building an online presence and driving sales through internet marketing requires consistency. Regularly update your website, social media profiles, and content to maintain engagement. Ready to amplify your SME’s digital presence? Discover how the Kleos Africa SME Growth Voucher (SGV) program can empower your business with the expertise of dedicated digital marketing interns at little or no cost. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to obtain affordable support for your business. Learn more about our program and how it can increase your business revenue and online presence today! Click HERE for more details: https://kleosafrica.com/blog/2023/08/30/call-for-applications-kleos-africa-sme-growth-voucher-program/

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Elements of a Creative Marketing Brief

A short and sweet guide on writing a creative marketing brief… “It did not convert! It did not drive sales! This is not my target audience! There is no engagement! Nobody liked the posts! My followers did not increase  and the list goes on. The common statements you will hear from entrepreneurs when they review their marketing activity. Before we investigate further, ‘Can you please show me your brief’? One of my greatest takeaways from numerous marketing campaigns is, your campaign is only as good as your brief. Look, if you’re trying to get any tangible result from your marketing, you must know how to put together a brief. There are no shortcuts, it just has to be done. A lot of failed campaigns can be traced to an unclear brief or even or even worse, no brief at all. You need a good brief to save time on projects, get you the results you need and reduce conflict. Let’s start with all the things that briefs are not: Without further ado, I’ll jump right into defining what a creative marketing brief is and what the essentials should be. What is a Creative Marketing Brief? Hubspot defines a creative brief as a roadmap that takes a project from ideation to completion. It ensures the scope, timeline, key stakeholders, and purpose of the project are communicated clearly. The creative brief is the single source of truth for everyone working on a project. If questions come up or tasks become unclear, the creative brief will steer things in the right direction. Adobe explains further ; Creative briefing isn’t just cobbling together a document, it’s wielding a tool that facilitates clear and thorough communication from the beginning of the design process. A clear brief can prevent last-minute changes, misunderstandings and conflicting objectives Now that we know what a brief is, what should it entail? Essentials of a Good Creative Marketing Brief Wondering how to write one? Hubspot has some great templates here. I wanted to keep this article short and sweet, because you have work to do! Please promise me( in the comments section) that you will commit to using creative briefs today. Do it for  your business. Now go and write some result inducing briefs!You have got this !???

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How to Sell to a Difficult Customer

Your main goal as a business owner is to provide solutions that genuinely address your customers’ needs, ultimately enhancing their quality of life through your products. However, it’s important to acknowledge that customers have had negative experiences in the past. When a product fails to fulfill its promised purpose, it leaves customers disappointed, cautious and most likely, difficult. Consequently, customers have become more logical, meticulously evaluating their options before making a purchase. They want assurance that what they buy will truly deliver on its promises, without the need for additional purchases. So, how do you sell to a difficult customer? 1. Use testimonials Customer segments are defined by age, social status, work environment, exposure, and place of residence. One of the ways to sell to a difficult customer is to mention individuals who have purchased your products and get them to talk about the satisfaction derived from these products/services. This is to assure them that their investment is secure. Logical, difficult customers, who possess the means to spend, seek reassurance before making a purchase. Their strong network also make them influential in referring others to your products, creating a potential customer segment with continuous demand. To build trust and credibility, it’s recommended to collect testimonials for display on your website or social media channels. These testimonials can take the form of text accompanied by customer photos. Alternatively, video testimonials are powerful as they visually convey trust through body language. Keep the video clips concise, ranging from 30 seconds to 1 minute. Sharing testimonials from satisfied customers serves as a powerful means of building trust, establishing credibility and instilling confidence in potential buyers. 2. Provide customer support and utilise customer feedback When customers are unsure about how to use a product, they often seek information and guidance. Capitalize on these conversations by providing the necessary instructions and support. It’s crucial to keep records of all customer interactions, including calls and text messages. These records serve not only for monitoring and improvement purposes but also for reaching out to them. Valued customers who experience the benefits they anticipated are likely to express their gratitude. You can showcase these conversations, starting from when they sought assistance to when their concerns were resolved. This display of customer feedback demonstrates your trustworthiness and reliability. 3. Offer discounts Customers have unfortunately experienced instances where their hard-earned money was taken advantage of, causing them to be cautious about future purchases. To foster long-term relationships and bring about a significant change in their perspective, you need to shift your focus away from short-term profitability to gaining trust. Rewrite the narrative and offer them something of exceptional value, surpassing their expectations. It could be in the form of discounts or even providing the item for free if it is not a high-priced product. By exceeding their perceived value and offering them an irresistible proposition, you can sell to a difficult customer, rebuild their trust and establish a solid foundation for a lasting customer relationship. 4. Offer free complimentary services Customers often have additional needs beyond their initial purchase. As a business, you have the opportunity to provide these supplementary services alongside the discounts offered. However, it’s important to approach this in a thoughtful manner, avoiding any sense of desperation. Consider making a promise to customers that after they have used the product and experienced satisfaction, they will receive complimentary services when they make a second purchase. This promise acts as an incentive for them to return and further solidifies their positive experience with your business. By offering these additional services, you enhance their overall satisfaction and create a compelling reason for them to engage with your brand again. In conclusion, it’s crucial to remember that the ultimate objective is to win over customers. However, it’s important to acknowledge that customers have the freedom to choose whether or not to return. Regardless, your goal should be to maintain a long-term business relationship with each customer, treating them as individuals rather than as a collective group. By focusing on personalized service and catering to their specific needs, you increase the likelihood of building loyalty and fostering repeat business. Remember, every customer is unique, and your commitment is to serve them on an individual level. Emmanuel Otori is the Chief Executive Officer of Abuja Data School. He is a Small Business Consultant, Start-Up Advisor and Consultant For SMEs across Nigeria. You can read his other articles here.

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How to Build an Online Business from Home

The internet has revolutionized the way we do business. With the rise of e-commerce, it is now easier than ever to start an online business from home. However, building a successful online business requires more than just setting up a website and waiting for customers to come. In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take to build a profitable online business from home. Step 1: Identify your Niche The first step to building an online business from home is identifying your niche. This means finding a specific area of interest or expertise that you can focus on. It could be anything from selling handmade crafts to providing digital marketing services. To identify your niche, start by considering your passions and skills. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Once you have identified your niche, research the market to see if there is demand for what you are offering. Step 2: Build your Website Once you have identified your niche, it’s time to build your website. Your website is the foundation of your online business and will be where customers come to learn about your products or services. When building your website, make sure it is user-friendly and visually appealing. Use high-quality images and clear descriptions of what you are offering. Make sure all links work properly and that there are no broken pages or errors. Step 3: Develop your Brand Your brand is how customers perceive your business. It includes everything from your logo and color scheme to the tone of voice used in marketing materials. To develop a strong brand, think about what sets you apart from competitors in your industry. What makes you unique? Use this information to create a brand that resonates with customers. Step 4: Create Content Content marketing is an essential part of any successful online business strategy. This involves creating valuable content that attracts potential customers and builds trust with existing ones. Create blog posts, videos, infographics or any other type of content that will be useful to your target audience. Share this content on social media and other relevant platforms to reach a wider audience. Step 5: Drive Traffic Once you have created valuable content, it’s time to drive traffic to your website. There are many ways to do this, including search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and paid advertising. SEO involves optimizing your website for search engines so that it appears higher in search results. Social media marketing involves promoting your business on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Paid advertising involves paying for ads on platforms like Google AdWords or Facebook Ads. Step 6: Build Relationships Building relationships with customers is key to building a successful online business. This means engaging with them on social media, responding promptly to emails and providing excellent customer service. Offer incentives like discounts or freebies for repeat customers and encourage them to leave reviews or testimonials on your website or social media pages. In conclusion, building an online business from home requires hard work, dedication and patience. By following these steps, you can create a profitable online business that allows you to work from the comfort of your own home while doing something you love.

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7 Steps to Identify and Target Your Ideal Customers

Introduction If you are a small business owner in Nigeria, or anywhere for that matter, you know that reaching the right customers is crucial for your success. That’s why it’s important to carefully identify and target your ideal customer, especially because it’s not easy to stand out in a crowded market, particularly when you have limited resources and budget. You may be tempted to appeal to everyone or to copy what your competitors are doing, but that’s a recipe for mediocrity and frustration. To grow your business, you need to identify and target your ideal customers – the people who need and want what you offer and are willing to pay for it. In this article, I’ll show you seven (7) steps to identify and target your ideal customer, using real-life examples from Nigerian MSMEs. Step 1: Define your niche and value proposition The first step to identifying and targeting your ideal customers is to define your niche – the specific area of your industry where you excel and have a unique advantage. For example, if you’re a fashion designer, your niche could be ethnic wear for plus-size women or eco-friendly denim for men. Once you have identified your niche, you need to craft a value proposition that explains why your products or services are better than others in the market. Your value proposition should be clear, concise, and compelling. Think of these as the 3Cs that will help you focus on the benefits that your customers will experience, such as saving time, money, or hassle. Mimi, a graphic designer in Lagos understands this principle so well. When she realized that her passion and talent for creating eye-catching logos and social media graphics could serve a specific niche – small business owners who wanted to attract more customers online. She crafted a value proposition that promised “professional designs that get you noticed and remembered,” and targeted her marketing messages to this niche. With this value proposition in mind, she began targeting her marketing messages and channels to this niche. Mimi’s efforts paid off – she began receiving inquiries from small business owners in her niche, and her clients were thrilled with the results of her design work. As a result of her targeted approach, Mimi was able to build a thriving business serving the needs of small business owners in Lagos. Step 2: Research your audience To efficiently target and identify your ideal customer, the second step is to research your audience – the people who are most likely to buy from you. You need to understand their demographics (their ages), psychographics (what are their values), and pain points (what are their problems, challenges, or frustrations), and use that knowledge to tailor your marketing messages and channels. You can use various tools and methods to gather this information, such as surveys, focus groups, social media listening, Google Analytics, and competitor analysis. Dooshima, a catering business owner in Abuja comes to mind. When she was starting her business, she researched the preferences of her potential corporate clients and found they valued healthy and diverse menus, on-time delivery, and personalized service. This helped her identify and target her ideal customer easily. She created a website and brochure highlighting these features and developed a value proposition of “healthy, delicious and diverse catering services that help you impress your clients and employees at your next corporate event. We guarantee on-time delivery and personalized service to make your event stress-free.” By incorporating this into her marketing efforts, Dooshima successfully attracted more corporate clients, leading to increased customer loyalty and repeat business. Step 3: Create customer personas The third step to identifying your ideal customers is to create customer personas – fictional representations of your ideal customers based on your research. A customer persona should include details such as age, gender, income, education, occupation, interests, goals, challenges, objections, and communication preferences. Recall that this information is gotten from the demographics, psychographics and pain points you researched in the last step. By visualizing your ideal customers as real people, you can empathize with their needs and desires and create marketing messages that resonate with them. This approach of empathy will help you feel what your customers feel, therefore placing you in a position to solve their problems. No one exudes empathy more than Chinyere. The skincare entrepreneur who runs her business in Enugu created three customer personas – young female students who wanted affordable and natural products, middle-aged mothers who wanted anti-ageing and skin-brightening solutions, and male athletes who wanted soothing and hydrating creams. She used these personas to customize her product offerings, packaging, and messaging for each segment and increased her sales by 30%. Step 4: Segment your market After identifying your ideal customer and creating their persona, the next step is to segment your market. Market segmentation is the process of dividing your target audience into smaller groups based on similar characteristics, such as age, gender, income, education level, location, interests, and behaviour. Segmentation allows you to target each group with a specific message and offer that addresses their unique needs and wants. You can segment your market based on various factors, such as geography, demographics, psychographics, behaviours, and usage. By doing so, you can create more personalized and relevant marketing messages that resonate with each segment. Imagine if you are a clothing retailer targeting women, you might segment your market into different age groups or style preferences, such as casual wear, formal wear, or athletic wear. This would allow you to create more specific and targeted marketing messages that appeal to each segment’s unique needs and preferences. Step 5: Develop a marketing strategy Now that you have a good understanding of your target audience and their needs, it’s time to develop a marketing strategy that will effectively reach and engage them. Your marketing strategy should be based on the channels and tactics that are most likely to resonate with your target audience. If your business is offline, get a graphic designer to make

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Strategies to Penetrate International Markets

Exporting is one of the strategies that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) can use to penetrate international markets, thus expanding their businesses beyond the domestic market. Nigerian SMEs can export their products to various countries around the world. However, accessing primary export markets for Nigerian SMEs can be challenging due to various factors such as trade barriers, cultural differences, language barriers, and transportation costs, among others. One of the primary strategies to penetrate international markets is to focus on quality. Quality is critical in today’s global market, where consumers have access to a wide range of products from different parts of the world. Nigerian SMEs must ensure that their products meet international standards and are competitive in terms of quality. Another strategy for Nigerian SMEs is to leverage technology. Technology has revolutionized the way businesses operate globally, making it easier for companies to reach customers beyond their borders. Nigerian SMEs can take advantage of technology by using e-commerce platforms such as Amazon or Alibaba to sell their products internationally. They can also use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and FATE Foundation’s Alumni Hub to promote their products and reach new customers. Collaboration is another essential strategy for Nigerian SMEs looking to penetrate international markets. Collaboration with other businesses can help SMEs gain access to new markets, technologies, and resources that they may not have otherwise been able to access on their own. For example, partnering with a foreign distributor or supplier can help an SME gain access to new markets while reducing costs associated with distribution. In addition, networking is crucial for Nigerian SMEs looking to penetrate international markets. Networking allows businesses to connect with potential partners, suppliers, distributors or customers who can help them expand into new markets or improve their existing operations. Attending trade shows or conferences related to your industry is an excellent way for entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s small business sector network with other professionals from around the world. Furthermore, building strong relationships with customers is vital for Nigerian SMEs to penetrate international markets. Customers are the lifeblood of any business, and building strong relationships with them can help SMEs gain a competitive edge in the global market. Nigerian SMEs must focus on providing excellent customer service, responding promptly to inquiries, and addressing customer complaints quickly. Finally, Nigerian SMEs must be willing to adapt their products and services to meet the needs of international customers. The global market is diverse, and what works in Nigeria may not necessarily work in other parts of the world. Therefore, it is essential for Nigerian SMEs to conduct market research and understand the needs of their target audience before entering new markets. In conclusion, penetrating international markets is crucial for Nigerian SMEs looking to grow their businesses and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy. To achieve this goal, they must focus on quality, leverage technology, collaborate with other businesses, network effectively, build strong relationships with customers and adapt their products or services to meet the needs of international customers. By adopting these strategies and taking advantage of government policies that support small businesses’ growth in Nigeria, the economy will continue its upward trajectory towards becoming one of Africa’s leading economies.

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